MAPPING OF BUTTERFLY SPECIES AT THE MORRO DAS GALHETAS VIEWPOINT IN GUARUJÁ: A STUDY OF BIODIVERSITY AND CONSERVATION

Abstract

Biodiversity plays a fundamental role in ecological balance, with butterflies serving as bioindicators sensitive to environmental changes. This study aims to map the species present at the Morro das Galhetas Lookout in the municipality of Guarujá, a region within the Atlantic Forest biome. The research was conducted between March and April 2025, using daytime capture techniques (entomological net, transect, Ahrenholz method, and cloth with a rod) and nighttime capture techniques (TNT light trap with LED). Species from the Nymphalidae and Hesperiidae families were collected and identified, particularly Actinote (Nymphalidae) and Cymaenes gisca (Hesperiidae). Caligo beltrao, Caligo illioneus, Morpho helenor, Heliconius erato, and Dryas iulia were also recorded. The data showed that warmer times of the day favored greater butterfly activity, especially in areas with flowering shrubs. The results contribute to the inventory of local fauna and reinforce the importance of conservation actions in urban environments